A former Texas high school teacher has been arrested following an investigation into allegations that she had inappropriate relationships with students.
Holly Adams, who previously taught at Angleton High School near Houston, was arrested on Tuesday, August 25, and charged with one count of tampering with evidence and two counts of purchasing or furnishing alcohol to a minor, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation reportedly began after a student informed school officials that Adams was having an inappropriate relationship with a former student.
According to KTRK-TV, the student told authorities that the former student had FaceTimed him from a bedroom inside Adams’ home during the summer. The student allegedly saw nude photographs in the room, as well as an image showing Adams cuddling with the former student.
Adams was also accused of inviting students to her home to perform chores and reportedly admitted to communicating with three members of the school’s baseball team on Snapchat.
The allegations reportedly prompted authorities to launch an investigation that lasted nearly a year before Adams was arrested.
Dr Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, said adults who engage in sexual relationships with students may convince themselves that the relationship is legitimate while grooming their victims.
She added that male students who are abused by female teachers can suffer serious psychological harm because an adult violated their trust and boundaries.
Adams was taken to the Brazoria County Detention Center and released the same day after posting a $26,000 bond.
A spokesperson for the Angleton Independent School District confirmed that Adams no longer works for the district.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the alleged relationship or indicated whether additional charges are expected.